The Grammar School at CCA consists of grades K-6. The Grammar School can be described in terms of its pedagogy (teaching methods), curriculum, and culture.
Grammar School Pedagogy
During the Grammar School years, students are taught important information by means of songs, chants, jingles and rhymes. Historical facts and timelines, science facts, math facts, vocabulary, rules of grammar–all are taught using songs, chants, jingles, and rhymes. Classical pedagogy also includes review and repetition. Adults often avoid repetitive activity and think of it as boring, but children love to sing songs over and over again until they are embedded their long-term memory. The Grammar School has a multi-modal pedagogy as well–students learn by seeing (many visual aids of all types in each classroom), hearing (many songs and chants), and moving (children sing with hand and body motions). Therefore, students who are visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learners all learn well at CCA.
Grammar School Curriculum
The Curriculum of the Grammar School is challenging but well within the reach of students of average ability putting forth reasonable effort. Students in kindergarten through 2nd grade focus primarily on reading and math–subjects which must be mastered for success later in the curriculum. English grammar is introduced beginning in first grade with students learning the eight parts of speech and basic sentence classification. Spanish is introduced in Grammar School, a time when students are able to quickly learn language. Students in the Grammar School also study history, science, writing, Bible, music, and art.
A Violin for Every Child
In the CCA grammar school,
we seek to infuse all study with wonder and curiosity, and present
beauty as integral to our study of truth and goodness. For this
reason every grammar school student studies…the violin.
Grammar School Culture
The culture of the Grammar School is one of order, peace, courtesy, and enthusiasm. Families and students applying to CCA are interviewed and screened to ensure that respectful, courteous behavior is both taught at home and supported in the school. Our school and classroom behavior guidelines are clear and enforced so that students are secure in an environment that is safe and predictable, even while being lively and robust.